The greatest dangers in France are from the usual petty theft and pickpockets. Take care on trains and metros and keep your valuables well hidden and your bags closed and out of reach of others. It should also go without saying that you should not accept drinks or food from strangers. Women travelling alone should be careful as there are reports of sexual harassment.

It is not adviseable to wander around alone at night but if you must the places to particularly avoid would include railway stations, bus stops and deserted areas. However there are usually night police patrolling transport areas.

Areas associated with crime tend to also be crowded train stations, on the metros or around tourist locations. Watch your bags and wallets carefully.

Places to Avoid
PARIS
Paris is relatively safe but avoid these areas at night - Les Halles and the Bastille area. Travelers should not walk around Pigalle, Barbès-Rochechouart, Montmartre, rue St-Denis in the 2ème, or Belleville alone at night. In general, the northern and eastern arrondissements are less safe than the southern and western ones, and the Right Bank less safe than the Left.

MARSEILLE
Be careful of the northern section of the city, in the Quartier Belsunce.

SOUTHERN FRANCE
These areas generally have a reputation for being more dangerous than the north, particularly the Côte d'Azur and Provence

Useful Telephone Numbers
Ambulance 15
Fire 18
Police 17

France has strict laws about carrying drugs and police can search you at any time.

Try to also keep a note of your relevant embassy or consulate in France and any other emergency numbers you may require for lost credit cards, travellers cheques, health insurance etc.